Don’t panic if you don’t have your credit card with you: there are solutions for withdrawing money without going to the agency.
It has become a must in French wallets. The bank card is the preferred means of payment in France: 65% of payments are made in this way, i.e. more than 40 million payments daily: this corresponds to approximately one use per day of the bank card by young people aged between 18 and 75 years old. However, cash has not disappeared completely. Some even use it to manage their budget down to the penny. You still need to have your tickets with you.
In an era in which many things, even payments, are done via telephone, it can happen that you go out without a wallet and, therefore, without a credit card. However, if you need to withdraw money, there is berezine. Or rather, it was. Indeed, banks have developed new innovative solutions.
From now on, for customers of multiple banking institutions, it will no longer be necessary to have a bank card in your pocket to withdraw money from an ATM. It is not necessary to go to the agency to request the appropriate withdrawal card after completing the various formalities. Now there are simpler devices.
CIC or Crédit Mutuel customers can then collect the tickets from their application. To do this you must go to your customer area, click on “Operations”, then on “Cards” and activate the “Electronic Withdrawal” service. There you need to create a virtual number and a confidential code. You then need to indicate the desired amount, then everything is validated by a code received via SMS. Once the operation has been approved, simply go to a distributor, choose “E-collection” and enter the required entries. Tickets will then be issued automatically.
Banque Populaire also offers this service, on its application or on its website. In this establishment it is called “SMART’Withdrawal” and you have to click on “Create a new withdrawal token”. Then the procedure is the same as before. The Caisse d’Epargne also offers this option. Upon first use, however, it is necessary to activate it at the bank’s ATM.
For their part, BNP, Crédit Agricole or even Société Générale have not (yet?) implemented this system. Please note that in the banks where it is active, this service is completely free for users. And very practical for your head in the air.
Time.news Interview: Navigating Cash and Card Payments in Modern France
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Claire Beaumont, an expert in financial technology and consumer behavior. Claire, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this fascinating topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The article mentions that 65% of payments in France are made by bank card. What do you think is driving this trend?
Dr. Beaumont: It’s a combination of convenience and technological advancement. Bank cards offer a quick and seamless way to transact, which appeals to the fast-paced lifestyle many people lead today. Furthermore, the increasing availability of payment terminals and contactless payment options has made using cards more accessible than ever.
Editor: You also touched upon the interesting relationship between cash usage and budgeting. Why do some individuals still prefer cash in an increasingly digital world?
Dr. Beaumont: Cash allows for tangibility. It provides a physical representation of money that some people find helpful for managing their budgets effectively. They can physically see how much they have left, which helps avoid overspending. Additionally, people may feel more secure using cash in certain transactions, especially in places where digital payments aren’t widely accepted.
Editor: Fascinating. Now, the article mentions that people may occasionally leave home without their wallets or credit cards due to the convenience of smartphones. What innovative solutions are banks providing for those situations?
Dr. Beaumont: Yes, it’s quite common! Banks are responding by creating solutions such as mobile banking applications that enable withdrawals via QR codes or virtual cards. For instance, many banks now allow users to withdraw cash at ATMs using a mobile app instead of a physical card. This flexibility means you’re not entirely out of options if you forget your wallet.
Editor: That sounds very practical! But are there any potential drawbacks to relying heavily on mobile solutions for cash withdrawals?
Dr. Beaumont: Absolutely, while these solutions offer convenience, they do have limitations. For one, not all ATMs are equipped for mobile withdrawals. Additionally, technical issues like connectivity problems or app malfunctions could hinder access to cash when needed. Moreover, there’s always the concern of digital security and privacy, which becomes more pronounced as people rely on technology for financial transactions.
Editor: Those are important considerations. With the rising trend of digital payments, do you see a future where cash might become obsolete in France?
Dr. Beaumont: While digital payments are on the rise, I don’t foresee cash becoming completely obsolete just yet. There will always be segments of the population that prefer cash for various reasons—the elderly, those who distrust technology, or people in rural areas with limited internet access. Cash will likely continue to coexist with digital payment methods for the foreseeable future.
Editor: That balance between the two systems is essential. As we wrap up, what advice would you give consumers in this evolving landscape of payments?
Dr. Beaumont: Stay informed and adapt to new technologies while also being mindful of your financial habits. It’s wise to maintain a mix of both cash and digital methods to ensure you have options, especially in emergencies. Remember, the best system is one that fits your lifestyle and gives you control over your finances.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for your insights and expertise. It’s been an enlightening discussion on the future of payments in France!
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you for having me! It’s always interesting to explore these evolving financial dynamics.
